Entry Level Pilot Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com ) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world‑class engineering and manufacturing facilities.

This is a full‑time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff supporting quality, validation, testing, reliability, and continuous improvement activities associated with engines, powertrain systems, cast components, and off‑highway construction and mining equipment. Work may involve laboratory testing, machine testing, failure analysis, root cause investigations, product validation, manufacturing quality support, and supplier quality activities. The work will be highly collaborative with engineering, manufacturing, validation, quality, and supplier teams.

• Support quality, validation, and testing activities for engine, powertrain, and off‑highway equipment programs.
• Develop and execute test plans, test procedures, and validation activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to evaluate product performance, reliability, and durability.
• Investigate product, component, and system failures and perform root cause analysis.
• Support prototype, pilot, and production build activities.
• Work with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to resolve quality concerns.
• Support APQP activities, FMEA development, and product validation processes.
• Participate in product improvement, cost reduction, and product health initiatives.
• Support reliability, durability, and performance testing activities.
• Create and maintain test documentation, reports, and quality records.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support factory operations through troubleshooting and quality improvement activities.
• Travel to supplier or customer sites pending project needs (up to ~10%).

• Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• Entry level candidates and experienced candidates will be considered.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Ability to travel (less than 10% of time).

• Experience with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning).
• Experience with FMEA, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
• Experience with validation, testing, reliability, or quality engineering activities.
• Experience with data collection and test data analysis.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and production environments.
• Experience with quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exposure to engines, powertrain systems, off‑road equipment, heavy machinery, or industrial products.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross‑functional teams.
• Desire to work in an engineering environment focused on product quality, reliability, and performance.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $70,000-$95,000 – Commensurate with experience

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long‑Term Disability
• Supplemental Short‑Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

No.

Bachelors of Science or better in Electronics Technology.

Bachelors of Science or better in Industrial Engineering or related field.

Bachelors of Science or better in Manufacturing Engineering or related field.

Bachelors of Science or better in Manufacturing Engineering Technology or related field.

Bachelors of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Bachelors of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.